Fire Leaves One Dead in Gibson Co.
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BRAZIL, Tenn. – Firefighters are investigating a blaze that killed an elderly Gibson County woman early Wednesday morning. Marilyn Hay said she has known Elizabeth Jarnigin all her life. “It’s just a sad situation,” Hay said. “She was such a nice, country, hard working lady.” That is why neighbors said it is so hard to lose the 80-year-old, who was killed in a fire inside her own home. “She was well liked,” Hay said. “She always liked to hug you and give you a good hug, and she was a sweet lady.” Gibson County firefighters said they got a call from someone driving by the burning home, but it was too late. Firefighters told WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News the home had already fallen in when they arrived, and it had been burning for more than an hour. Family members said Jarnigin had three working smoke detectors. They believe she may have accidentally left her stove on, then fell asleep. “You just hate to lose anybody that’s especially in that situation,” Hay said. “It’s sad for the family, and it’s sad for the community.” But what Hay said she does have left are memories – like the salt and pepper shakers Elizabeth gave her. “She’s going to be missed,” Hay said. “Anybody that’s in a community a long time, yeah, you’ll miss them.” The fire department said Jarnigin’s body has been taken to Memphis for an autopsy, which will determine her exact cause of death. They are still investigating the cause of the fire, and as of right now, it does not appear to be suspicious.
